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Preseason records don't matter much, but the San Diego Chargers moved to 2-0 in exhibition play with a 22-19 win over the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix stadium on Saturday. San Diego's defense led the way, with six sacks -- all in the first half -- and an interception by linebacker Kavell Conner. Rookie kicker Josh Lambo hit a game-winning 47-yard field goal as time expired.
QB depth chart: Philip Rivers did not play against the Cardinals, as head coach Mike McCoy said the plan all along at the start of training camp was to hold out his starting quarterback in the second preseason game. With Rivers watching, Kellen Clemens did not exactly set the world on fire. He finished 9-of-15 for 88 yards passing, with no touchdowns and no interceptions. Clemens posted a 76.5 passer rating. After throwing an interception, third-string quarterback Brad Sorensen led the Chargers on three scoring drives in the second half. Sorensen finished 13-of-25 for 122 yards.
Maybe that dude could start: Rookie defensive lineman Darius Philon showed why San Diego coaches have been raving about his explosiveness off of the ball in training camp. He finished with an impressive sack in the second quarter and two combined tackles on the evening.
Rookie Darius Philon records one of the Chargers' six sacks against the Cardinals on Saturday. Ross D. Franklin/AP
Who got hurt? Punter Mike Scifres appeared to suffer an injured groin, but continued to play. Receiver Dontrelle Inman suffered a concussion and did not return.
A surprise performer who looks amazing: Undrafted rookie free agent inside linebacker Nick Dzubnar was around the ball, totaling five combined tackles and a sack. At 6-1 and 240 pounds, Dzubnar plays with anticipation and seems to have a nose for the football. He also had a couple special teams tackles.
Rookie watch: The Chargers first two draft picks in running back Melvin Gordon and inside linebacker Denzel Perryman did not play. Cornerback Craig Mager had another solid game, finishing with a couple pass-breakups. Fifth-round selection Kyle Emanuel played some snaps with the first unit and was uneven in his performance. Philon notched his first sack of the preseason.
When it was starters vs. starters, the Chargers looked ...: The defense created pressure, notching six sacks in the first half, including two by Melvin Ingram. The Chargers totaled just 26 sacks all of last season. Offensively, the Chargers sputtered with Rivers and Gordon out. San Diego managed just 111 total yards in the first half, running just four plays in Arizona territory. San Diego's No. 1 receiver Keenan Allen had two drops in the first half.
One reason to freak out -- good: Besides the six sacks, San Diego's defense continues to show improvement. The Chargers played solid on third down, and also did a nice job of holding the Cardinals to field goals. However, San Diego has to be more consistent stopping the run.
Run game still sputtering: Even with a renewed emphasis on running the football, the Chargers still can't get a push in the running game on offense. San Diego finished with just 46 total rushing yards against the Cardinals. Through two preseason games, the Chargers' first-unit offense has six running plays of no gain or minus yards. The Chargers have to figure things out up front or they will be relying on Rivers throwing the football for another season.
Lambo stands out: Rookie Josh Lambo, competing for the starting kicking job with incumbent Nick Novak, had an impressive day. Lambo finished with a touchback on a kickoff and drilled field goals from 53, 43 and the game-winner from 47 yards. Novak bounced a 33-yard extra point off of the upright. Novak appeared to suffer a lower leg injury on a made extra point attempt in the third quarter.
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Preseason records don't matter much, but the San Diego Chargers moved to 2-0 in exhibition play with a 22-19 win over the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix stadium on Saturday. San Diego's defense led the way, with six sacks -- all in the first half -- and an interception by linebacker Kavell Conner. Rookie kicker Josh Lambo hit a game-winning 47-yard field goal as time expired.
QB depth chart: Philip Rivers did not play against the Cardinals, as head coach Mike McCoy said the plan all along at the start of training camp was to hold out his starting quarterback in the second preseason game. With Rivers watching, Kellen Clemens did not exactly set the world on fire. He finished 9-of-15 for 88 yards passing, with no touchdowns and no interceptions. Clemens posted a 76.5 passer rating. After throwing an interception, third-string quarterback Brad Sorensen led the Chargers on three scoring drives in the second half. Sorensen finished 13-of-25 for 122 yards.
Maybe that dude could start: Rookie defensive lineman Darius Philon showed why San Diego coaches have been raving about his explosiveness off of the ball in training camp. He finished with an impressive sack in the second quarter and two combined tackles on the evening.
Rookie Darius Philon records one of the Chargers' six sacks against the Cardinals on Saturday. Ross D. Franklin/AP
Who got hurt? Punter Mike Scifres appeared to suffer an injured groin, but continued to play. Receiver Dontrelle Inman suffered a concussion and did not return.
A surprise performer who looks amazing: Undrafted rookie free agent inside linebacker Nick Dzubnar was around the ball, totaling five combined tackles and a sack. At 6-1 and 240 pounds, Dzubnar plays with anticipation and seems to have a nose for the football. He also had a couple special teams tackles.
Rookie watch: The Chargers first two draft picks in running back Melvin Gordon and inside linebacker Denzel Perryman did not play. Cornerback Craig Mager had another solid game, finishing with a couple pass-breakups. Fifth-round selection Kyle Emanuel played some snaps with the first unit and was uneven in his performance. Philon notched his first sack of the preseason.
When it was starters vs. starters, the Chargers looked ...: The defense created pressure, notching six sacks in the first half, including two by Melvin Ingram. The Chargers totaled just 26 sacks all of last season. Offensively, the Chargers sputtered with Rivers and Gordon out. San Diego managed just 111 total yards in the first half, running just four plays in Arizona territory. San Diego's No. 1 receiver Keenan Allen had two drops in the first half.
One reason to freak out -- good: Besides the six sacks, San Diego's defense continues to show improvement. The Chargers played solid on third down, and also did a nice job of holding the Cardinals to field goals. However, San Diego has to be more consistent stopping the run.
Run game still sputtering: Even with a renewed emphasis on running the football, the Chargers still can't get a push in the running game on offense. San Diego finished with just 46 total rushing yards against the Cardinals. Through two preseason games, the Chargers' first-unit offense has six running plays of no gain or minus yards. The Chargers have to figure things out up front or they will be relying on Rivers throwing the football for another season.
Lambo stands out: Rookie Josh Lambo, competing for the starting kicking job with incumbent Nick Novak, had an impressive day. Lambo finished with a touchback on a kickoff and drilled field goals from 53, 43 and the game-winner from 47 yards. Novak bounced a 33-yard extra point off of the upright. Novak appeared to suffer a lower leg injury on a made extra point attempt in the third quarter.
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